A generalized theory of sedimentation

Abstract

A theoretical relationship between the concentration and the sedimentation velocity of non-flocculated suspensions of particles is derived. It is shown that the settling velocity relative to that of a single particle in the suspension is (1 - c)β where β is a function of particle shape, size distribution and Reynolds number and c is the volume of solid per unit volume of suspension. The expression is shown to satisfy the experimental results of other workers. An empirical relationship between β and the Reynolds number is suggested.